MSSU Weekly Activities Update

(From Southern News Service)

Missouri Southern’s Social Work Department will host a community event in observance of Black History Month from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in the Mills Anderson Justice Center auditorium.

The theme for the event is “Addressing Black Health and Wellness: Understanding Systemic Barriers to Inclusion.” Dola Flake, a 2011 MSSU graduate who is a master’s-level social worker and founder of Joplin for Justice, will be the keynote speaker.

Learning objectives for the event include enhancing cultural sensitivity and awareness; understanding intersectionality; increasing understanding of disparities impacting the health of Black people in the U.S.; and raising awareness for the value of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“It is our goal to unite students, staff and community through engagement, knowledge, and healthy discussion to evolve us as leaders of our awesome community,” said Heather Eckhart, social work field coordinator at Missouri Southern.

The event is free and open to the public.

Other events planned for the week of Feb. 21 include a presentation by an alum of the Communication Department, the next film in the continuing international film festival, and a career fair for education majors.

Monday, Feb. 21

Esdra Lamy presentation: 4 p.m., Webster Hall’s Corley Auditorium. Presented by the Global Leaders program, Lamy, will share his path as a 2000 graduate of MSSU whose career led to his position at Warner Bros. as senior vice president of sales, co-head of syndication, and head of airlines content sales.

Tuesday, Feb. 22

Local restaurant bingo: 12:20 p.m., Lion’s Den in Billingsly Student Center. Students are invited to play bingo for a chance to win gift cards to local restaurants.

“Chocolat”: 7 p.m., Cornell Auditorium in Plaster Hall. Presented by the International Film Society, the film tells the story of a complicated friendship between a white girl named France and Protée, her family's black adult servant, during the years leading up to the country's independence in 1960. Directed by Claire Denis.

Wednesday, Feb. 23

Education Career Fair: 1 to 2:30 p.m, Connor Ballroom in Billingsly Student Center. Education majors, or students interested in education, can attend to network, find job prospects and learn about a variety of organizations.